Tyres for 240 Estates

[Scoobysnax]

Hello

I need to put a couple of tyres on my Torslanda. I have been told that putting commercial tyres on my volvo is the best option as Michelin etc no longer produce that size of tyre. Does anyone have any views or advice on this?

Thanks

Claire

[classicswede]

I'm sure you can still get the std tyres. We run our 240's on 205/60/15's.
If you have 14" wheels then 195/65/14's should work well.

[Glen Morangie]

If the original tyres on your wagon were 185R14 size then -

Yes they are only available now from the 'majors' in van tyres. These will work but give a hard ride - some say much too hard, it's a question of personal preference, and there are varying opinions on things like understeer and how much this is affected by more rigid sidewalls.

185R14 car tyres are still made by a few of the 'budget' manufacturers - you will need to understand and check the load rating carefully if you drive your car well loaded.

The nearest equivalent to 185R14 in commonly available sizes is, IIRC, 195/75/14 - as the R tyre equates to an 82% aspect ratio (185 80/14 would work but those have disappeared as well).

Using 205/65/15 or 205/75/14 may require a 'space saver spare' but I have no personal experience of this and don't know what the 5th wheel's like on your car. I have heard different tales, so it's just something to check if you decided to go that way.

Of course ignore this if they were another size on the car when it came from the factory.

[Mike_Brace]

A commercial tyre would be totally unsuitable for the car and would adversely affect handling and could possibly invalidate your insurance. The best bet is to use any of those suggested - spare will fit in OK. Do not buy a budget tyre if you can avoid it - there can be considerable difference in roadholding between a budget and a brand tyre.

Mike

[Old Bean]

Hi Scoobysnax

www.etyres.co.uk do a 185/80R14T Vredestein - Sprint + if their website is anything to go by. I believe Vredestein is a decent (Dutch) make. As Glen Morangie says, check out the load rating for suitability. I should think a 'T' speed rating should be OK. Can anyone advise on this?

I'm in the same position and I will soon be having to purchase a set.

In any event please let us know how you get on.
Doug

[Mike_Brace]

T rating is up to over 100 mph speed rating so should be ok.

Mike

[Scoobysnax]

Thanks for the replies everyone. The tyres on my car are 185 / R14. I checked with insurers etc and contacted lots of garages. I ended up having Kumo tyres fitted and they are fine. I also had the rear suspension done at the same time so the car feels different but better. Tyres were £40 each fitted and balanced.

Claire

[Glen Morangie]

Seems it's time for me to eat my words -

"If the original tyres on your wagon were 185R14 size then -

Yes they are only available now from the 'majors' in van tyres."

I've just discovered Michelin do a 185HR14 tyre with a 90 load rating in their 'Collector' tyre range - seems the 240 has now entered the realms of the 'classic car' - who knows, in a few years they may be tax exempt (joke!).

Get the Michelin 'Collector' catalogue here:

http://www.michelin-passion.com/pass...084556&lang=EN

Only £138 each!! Dunlop it seems also do a 185 HR 14, and for a mere £123.

[Peter D]

Firestone still do 185 and 195 65, 70 and 80 profile tyres. Regards Peter

[Clifford Pope]

If you look on the internet you will find there is no such thing as an obsolete tyre size. Classic tyre suppliers list all the old sizes, way back to vintage days.